It was an exciting day on the third day of first test match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The Indian lower order added important runs and helped hosts to post 172. In reply, Sri Lanka lost 2 early wickets after the quick-fire start from the openers. Mathews and Thirmminane scored half-centuries. At the end of day 3, Sri Lanka made 165 for 4.

India began the 3rd day on 74 for 5. Pujara completed his half-century in 108 balls. He was dismissed by a beautiful delivery by Gamage. After that Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha scored with positive intent. Both the batsmen added 48 runs. Dilwuran Perera dismissed both well-settled batsmen in the same over to reduce India to 128 for 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami scored 18 runs. Mohammad Shami played quickfire innings of 24 in 22 balls. India was bowled out for 172 before the lunch break.

After the lunch break, Karunanthe and Samarawickrama started the innings in a positive note adding 29 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar then dismissed both Karunanthe and Samarawickrama. Mathews coming at number 4 struggled with good bowling by Kumar. Thirmmane and Mathews took advantage of poor bowling by Shami and Umesh Yadav. At the end of the second session, Sri Lanka scored 113 runs for 2 wickets.

Soon after the tea break, both batsmen completed their half centuries. Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami bowled much better in the final session. Umesh Yadav then dismissed Mathews, Thirmmiane. Dinesh Chandimal struggled against good quality pace bowling of Kumar and Shami.

Mohammad Shami walked out of the field because of injury. Virat Kohli bowled one ball left.

Sri Lanka were 165 for 4 before bad light called off a play. The match promises to be an exciting one with the conditions still helpful for the pace bowlers.